A three phase plan was laid out to develop new landing ships to meet the demands of modern amphibious and transport operations.

The second phase, or LST-II, was originally planned to import four Newport-class tank landing ships, but after being postponed due to budget issues, it was changed in favor for domestic built 4500 ton LPDs to be commissioned by 2013-2016.

LST-III was to build two mid-size helicopter amphibious landing ships, and designing started in 1997.

In 2001 it was renamed as the LPX project and a total of two 14,300 ton ships were ordered for the Republic of Korea Navy.

There is also a ramp for moving trucks up to the deck, and multiple elevators for rapid cargo loading.